Humor in The Simpsons Essay

Use the guided analysis exercises within the lesson as a model for this part of the assignment.

Barbara Ehrenreich employed the use of humor multiple times in Nickel and Dimed; it was perhaps her most frequently used rhetorical device. Ehrenreich was trying to portray the tragedy and heartbreak of the situation by using that sort of hopeless, sardonic humor. She also used her humor as a way to camouflage topics that would otherwise be off-limits. Although some of the humor included in the narrative may have seemed distasteful, it all had a purpose and was rarely used inappropriately.

Norman Cousins said, “Laughter is a powerful way to tap positive emotions" (Moss 1). Humor is studied by many researchers in sociology, psychology, art, literature, and medicine. When people wonder whether humor aids in areas other than health, a treasure trove of possible benefits to the learning or educational community is opened up. Humor can be used as a tool to promote learning.Research speaks to the many benefits of humor in healing, to its benefits in the classroom or boardroom, from reducing stress of students or employees, to boosting self-esteem and feelings of camaraderie. Additionally, studies show that those who use humor to convey a message are often more favorably perceived. Humor helps deliver the presenter's message to

This essay offers a postmodernist reading of the popular television program The Simpsons, with special regard to the postmodern theories of intertexuality, hyperreality, and metanarratives. Before delving into The Simpsons, some major theoretical aspects of postmodernism in aesthetic production are outlined. Three of the most prominent theorists of postmodernism – Lyotard, Baudrillard and Jameson – are introduced, as well as their theories which will be brought into consideration in the following chapters. The objective

The main social group portrayed in the cartoon “On Satire” by Joe Sacco, published in The Guardian, is the cartoonists. “On Satire” portrays other cartoonists as obnoxious, insensitive cavemen who often cross the line between satire and just outright offensive mockery of the religious beliefs of Muslims. The purpose of the cartoon is to ridicule the black and white way of representation/depiction of all Muslims as terrorists. Also he is aiming to get governments and news outlets to consider ways in which to stop terrorism by understanding where they are coming from instead of just eradicating all Muslims and hoping that terrorism dies with them.

Religion is Funny.” This line once said by co-creator of South Park Matt Stone has caused so much controversy over the years about how we treat other cultures and religions that it has emerged to become a number one topic. Even though religion has been around for many year’s people still take their beliefs very seriously. Media has even start making fun of religions by making jokes about the systems of beliefs of a religion and the people that follow those religions based on the negative stereotypes. Examples that are seen on shows are like Family Guy, South Park, and The Simpsons. South Park continuously makes fun of religions and the followers of these certain religions. The major religions that are prime targets on the shows are Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Scientology. Even though it is successful for the show, the creators of the show often face criticism from the people that support these religions through threating to kill them for portraying them on the show or by sending death letters. In this paper I’ll explain the show South Park and how its relates to the social issue that relates to religion.

The reason The Simpsons has been able to continue over so many years and seasons are because the programme is animated. In real time, of course, Bart Simpson would by now be almost 40 years old, and Homer and Marge would be in their 60s. Animation allows the characters to be preserved in a timeless bubble where no one has to get older. Bart and Lisa are frozen in the fourth and second grades, and Maggie is still yet to talk. Animation also allows for an entirely flexible setting that is evident in the way the Simpsons’ home town of Springfield is endlessly malleable. Depending on the needs of the episode, Springfield has mountains, a harbour, a beach, can be freezing cold or suffer from an extreme heatwave, and can also have been simultaneously

Ever since 1997, South Park has revolutionized the cable TV scene as a profane and obscene program that isn’t afraid to mock religious, political, and cultural topics and not get away with at least offending somebody. Throughout its twelve seasons, some of the most prominent events in pop culture have suffered the wrath of ridicule from the show’s creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and succeeded in making millions of Americans laugh until they cry. The creative genius behind these cultural and controversial statements has exalted the series to iconic status in our entertainment industry for its satirical voice in each episode. Throughout its ten years on air, South Park has broken multiple political,

What is a stereotype? The Free Dictionary defines a stereotype as “a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group” (Stereotype). Although many people may not realize it, stereotypes influence how they interact with others each day. People judge others because of their race, ethnicity, religion, and heritage before they even know the person. These judgements come from stereotypes they encounter in their lives. There are plenty of news stories, movies, and television shows that portray these stereotypes. However, Seth McFarland’s television show “Family Guy” uses satire to highlight stereotypes in today’s society. The show’s use of ethnic humor includes a lot of

The question of immigration had been one of America’s biggest issues since the 1500s. Mass immigration began in the late 1600s and became uncontrollable for the native population to control. In fact, many began to move west where opportunity existed. After the ratification of the Constitution in 1789, the question of immigration died down until the Irish and German immigration wave in the mid-19th century. Today, immigration is no longer a major issue, but illegal immigration is. All through the late 20th and early 21st century, many Latin Americans began to come to the US, undocumented. Media and government address the issue of illegal immigration in many different ways. The government is usually strongly against illegal immigration and some politicians make it the issue of their campaigns. The media, on the other hand, may vary in their views on the issue. South Park and The Simpsons both satirize the issue of illegal immigration in their own different way.

During the Age of Enlightenment, people began believing in and relying upon rational thought instead of religious dogma to explain the world. This newfound emphasis on rationality promoted a breadth of freedom in speech that was previously unknown, a fact which was utilized by philosophers such as John Locke, Rousseau, and Sir Isaac Newton. In addition, the Age of Enlightenment produced famous writers who didn’t agree with the irrational politics and old traditions of their respective countries, and instead relied upon wit and satire to expose the corruption and poor human condition existing around them. These Enlightenment writers use irony in their satires to get their interpretations regarding the human condition across.

Satire is constantly evolving in order to maintain with the times. As technology, culture and humanity change and grow, satire is forced to grow with it. Satire of our modern time is more likely to be found on our phones than on print, more likely on a television than a telegram. By merging with pop culture, in forms of Family Guy and Comedy Central news shows, these forms of satire are able to stay relevant. But, despite the change in medium, the purpose of satire and effect of satire holds true. Modern satire, just as that of past satire, sheds light on the problems of our society through ridicule and mockery, without reinforcing and further cementing the stereotypes and prejudices they are trying to expose.

Curiosity Journal 4: What makes you laugh? Laughing is a very interesting wonderful thing, my sense of humor is not likely to be the same as everyone else, and it is unique to each person. Sometimes while looking through the internet I come across a video or a picture that I find to be very funny and I feel the need to share the laugh with someone else, but once I go to show a friend I become broken spirited because they think the complete opposite. I think that my sense of humor is very particular and strange; I find awkward jokes, irony and dark humor to be very funny. Caspar Lee is a YouTuber that has branded his online persona around making extremely awkward and cringy.

Manbearpig: Half Man, Half Bear, Half Pig, but All Global Warming? South Park is a popular animated comedy series written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. While the episodes of South Park are always humorous on the surface, each show usually has a deeper, much more profound meaning and moral. One episode of South Park entitled Manbearpig, named after the monster in the episode, has a particularly potent deeper meaning. On the surface, the episode pokes fun at monster stories, politics, and specifically Al Gore. Deeper down, however, this monster story can be read as a national allegory alluding to the dangers of global warming, the problems with the politics behind global warming, and the eventual doom we will all face

In this paper i will be analysing and discussing the semiotics on an episode of The Simpson series.